The Caribbean is a region of the Americas consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the surrounding coasts. It is located southeast of Northern America, east of Central America and to the north and west of South America. The Caribbean comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. The name “Caribbean” is named after the Caribs, one of the one of the dominant Amerindian groups in the region at the time of European contact during the late 15th century.

There are plentiful flights to various island throughout the Caribbean. But some of the islands have several connections in order to get there. Consider a private plane charters to cut out some of the many connections and they are not very expensive. Many private air charters will pick up in San Juan Puerto Rico or St. Thomas and fly to places like Martinique or St. Vincent.

Many parts of the Caribbean have mooring systems in place and anchoring a yacht is prohibited. This measure prevents anchors damaging the coral reefs. Cynics will argue that the measures are more about revenue generation that protecting the environment and at $30 per night for a yacht mooring it is hard not to have some sympathy with this point of view. Yacht charter boats should aim to arrive at an anchorage in order to get a mooring or spot before the crowds arrive.

The climate of the Caribbean mainly ranges between sub-tropical to tropical and depends a great deal upon location in proximity to the tradewinds that blow towards the Eastern Caribbean islands heading northwest up the chain of Windward islands. When these tradewinds arrive close to the island of Cuba they tend to be overcome by other minor jet streams across the Caribbean region. Normally hurricanes which at times effect the region usually strike northwards of Grenada and to the west of Barbados. The principal hurricane belt arcs to northwest of the island of Barbados in the Eastern Caribbean. September and October are considered the height of hurricane season, although the nominal season is June through November. Check yacht charter company policies in regards to hurricanes. During the November through January winter months; the prevailing wind is 15 – 20 knots from the northeast. On and off all winter, the famous “Christmas Winds” blow at 25 – 30 knots for several day periods. Beginning in February and finishing in June, the winds move from a northeast direction to southeast when 10 – 15 knots can be expected. Late summer through autumn is the Caribbean’s rainy season. However, rain squalls can occur at any time but are usually short lived. Average high temperatures range from 85

]]> http://narayacht.com/yacht-charter-in-the-caribbean/feed/ 2 http://narayacht.com/fishing-boats/ http://narayacht.com/fishing-boats/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:58:39 +0000 admin http://narayacht.com/fishing-boats/

When it comes to fishing there are two sorts that are regularly undertaken, recreational fishing and commercial fishing. As such there is a wide range of types of fishing boats that are used in the fishing process.

When it comes to commercial fishing boats most people will think of trawlers scouring the oceans for fish. Trawlers basically pull a trawl net though the water catching fish in the way. As with most forms of commercial fishing the nets are often considered bad for fishing as they are indiscriminate in the fish caught. Trawlers will either drag their nets along the bottom of the ocean or at a depth dependent on the type of fish being hunted. Normally solo craft some trawlers do work in teams.

The other best known forms of fishing boats are the drifters, these are commercial vessels that send out and take in drift nets. These vessels are the most controversial of fishing boats, as the nest are blamed for the deaths of turtles and dolphins in huge numbers. Drift fishing is now banned in international waters and most national waters only allow limited usage of the nets. There are often limits on the size of the nets, although 2.5km for a net still seems like a huge length for a net.

There are also other forms of boats including Seine fishing boats also known as seiners. These boats operate nets that hang vertically in the water and fish are basically circled into the net. There are also factory ships that operate as fishing boats, these vessels are basically trawlers, seiners, drifters etc that also operate as a factory, processing and freezing their catches of fish.

Most recreational fishing is normally undertaken by the river or lake side, although it is not unknown for fishing boats to also be utilized. Most people would normally associate charter boats with recreational fishing. There is though no common type of charter boat, and depends on the type of fishing being undertaken. In the Caribbean the boats are more like private yachts, whilst in England the vessels are more likely to be traditional fishing vessels.

There are though other smaller forms of recreational fishing boats, including Kayak fishing vessels and pontoon boats. Both of these types of boats are normally for one or two anglers that can fish in areas of lakes and rivers that larger boats cannot get to.

If you are interested in the finest Marlin fishing year round; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is the place to go. With an abundance of Marlin populations, Cabo San Lucas is known as the “Marlin capital of the world”. The beautiful blue waters of the Baja Peninsula bubble with bountiful Striped, Black, and Blue Marlin.

An abundance of fish:

Los Cabos is not only home to Marlin; a copious of other fish inhabit the surrounding waters. If looking for that prize winning catch of Mahi Mahi, Tuna, or Snapper; you are in the right place. However, the abundance of a particular species of fish depends on the season. Although Marlin can be caught year round, the best time to fish for Striped Marlin is in the winter, Blue and Black is in the summer and fall. In the summer you are more likely to find Tuna, Sailfish, Dorado, and Wahoo. Striped Marlin and yellowtail are most plentiful in the winter and spring.

Best fishing areas:

There are many places around the coast of Cabo San Lucas that are ideal for fishing.
Most of the best fishing areas are located within 40 miles of the port. There is also a spot that is two miles from the old lighthouse near a 600 ft ledge. The Tinaje Trough is a deep underwater canyon on the Pacific side of the cape, where you can find many different species of fish. Located between the San Jaime Bank (the deepest point of the Tinaje Trough), and the Golden Gate Bank (12 miles to the north) is the pathway of underwater currents. This is the best place to fish in Cabo. These warm currents carry enormous amounts of Skipjack Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Blue Marlin.

Plan your charter ahead of time:

Charter boats provide an excellent way to tackle the true Los Cabos fishing experience. There are over 350 charters that operate out of the marina. There are many types of charters offered; you can find anything from 21 ft center consoles to 100+ ft luxury yachts. Some of these charters offer all inclusive packages. Whether you are an expert who knows all there is to know about fishing, or a novice casting a line for the first time; there is something to suit everyone’s fishing needs. Depending on how much money you want to spend, how many people will be traveling with you, and how long you want to go for; there are many options to accommodate your needs. To insure availability of your charter boat; be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible.

There are a couple of things to take care of when setting off on a fabulous fishing excursion in Cabo San Lucas. You will need to purchase a fishing license in order to fish. These can be purchased the day of your fishing trip at the marina for $12/day or $25/week.

Sign up for fishing tournaments:

Cabo San Lucas holds some of the most well-known fishing tournaments in the world. Most of the tournaments take place in October. These include; the Annual Los Cabo Billfish Tournament, the Pete Lopiccola Charity Tournament for cancer research, and the Bisbee Offshore Challenge. The largest tournament that takes place in Cabo is the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin Tournament. The Western Outdoor News’ Mercury Tuna Jackpot Tournament is scheduled early in November. The summer months bring the Rolex/IGFA offshore Championship in May, the Lucas Billfish Challenge in June, and the Mercury Light Line Fly Fishing World Championships in July.

If catching plentiful amounts of world-class Marlin in a tropical paradise sounds like something you would like to do; take a trip down to southern tip of the Baja Peninsula to fish the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas.

There is no better way to experience a tropical adventure than with Bahamas island yacht charters. Take a step into the past as the captain navigates through the deep blue waters of the Bahamas using a method of travel thousands of years old. In fact, Christopher Columbus first landed in the Bahamas after crossing the ocean in a vessel only slightly larger than some of the luxurious charter boats. Of course, there is no comparison between the conditions endured by Columbus and vacation involving Nassau Bahama luxury yacht charters.

If you are an expert sailor or just a beginner, the friendly captain will cater the journey to your preference. For example, the level of activity and adventure. Your voyage does not have to be a typical cruise that might be found on a commercial cruise liner. The Islands in the Bahamas are rarely more than two hours apart. Provided the wind is strong, the entire vacation could be spent island hopping each day, trying to take in as much as possible. Planning the route ahead of time allows for the best experience and guarantees little downtime and a lot of excitement. For example, if the planned sailing route crosses the gulf-stream, the high winds could cause the captain to shout, “All hands on deck!”. Docking at the various ports throughout the Bahamas is also based on adventure level. Some ports offer high adventure hiking, mountain biking excursions and rock climbing, while others allow serenity and relaxation on calm sandy beaches. Other ports provide opportunities to snorkel, shop or tour historic ruins. One of the great things about chartering a yacht is the freedom to tailor the vacation to personal interests. Each stop along the journey can be completely unique and no two journeys are identical. The only constant is the inescapable breath-taking scenery that creates life long memories.

Additionally, if the party is interested in sailing or already has some experience, many private captains will give lessons or allow seasoned sailors to take the helm. What better way to learn sailing then in the beautiful warm waters of the Bahamas. Also, for young children, this is the perfect pirate ship adventure of their dreams. They can don a captain’s hat and eye patch and play pirate to their hearts content. This vacation destination truly has something for everyone and every age group.

If food is a large part of a successful vacation, it is possible to plan the route to sample the local cuisine on a different island each day. The Bahamas excel in the preparation and delivery of fine drinks and award winning seafood. Alternatively, there is also the possibility to eat right inside one of the larger chartered yachts while sailing between islands. With this option, it is possible to maximize the time you spend sightseeing or adventure seeking when docked. For anyone seeking a vacation that truly provides a one of a kind experience and that will create an indelible mark on your memory, nothing else compares with Bahamas island yacht charters.

For several years, one of the most popular activities for visitors to St. Thomas hasn’t taken place on the island. Instead, tourists cruise the crystal-clear waters surrounding this unique island, soaking up the sun and finding adventure in the water. With numerous charters and rental organizations catering to the tourists of the island – each with unique water sport activities and boating options – there are plenty of ways to set sail.

As conditions for sailing and water sports are nearly perfect year-round in St. Thomas, it is no wonder that tourists regularly cite the weather as one of the most memorable details of their vacations. In addition to the persistent sunshine and mild temperatures, the waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands are typically calm year-round, but light tropical breezes provide more than enough strength for the sails. Regardless of where your boat travels, you will also experience incredible underwater visibility, allowing you to see the colorful diversity of the Caribbean Sea.

The easiest way to experience the Caribbean Sea while on St. Thomas is to charter either a sailboat or powerboat. St. Thomas currently has at least 100 different charter boats, each offering different activities and boating options. While day trips are the most popular option with tourists, many charter services also offer week long boating tours. In most cases, both single day and week long charters are staffed with a complete crew, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride. However, experienced sailors can also find boat rentals without crews, allowing tourists to take the helm and coast through the calm Caribbean waters. In most cases, charter boats are limited to groups of 6-8, meaning your family will be able to enjoy not only the weather but also the precious privacy afforded by luxurious Caribbean destinations like St. Thomas.

Boating in the Caribbean also allows adventurous tourists a chance to explore what lies beneath the water. Most boating charters come complete with snorkeling equipment and visit many of the island’s best sites for observing underwater life. If you charter a powerboat, you can also take advantage of equipment such as water skis and inflatable toys. Even if you want to stay dry, you can try your hand at deep sea fishing and reel in some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular fish. If you have a particular activity in mind, check the listings for individual charters as most will detail the types of water sport equipment available. You can also ask the concierge at your resort for recommendations based on your family’s interests and budget.

If you have never attempted any of these sports before, don’t be discouraged from hopping aboard a boat. Many of the charter boats operating in St. Thomas are staffed by knowledgeable personnel that take pride in serving not only as tour guides, but also as teachers. While out at sea, you can receive lessons on snorkeling or scuba diving and gain valuable insight about how to reel in the perfect catch. Some charter companies even offer sailing lessons, allowing first-timers a chance to man the sails.

One of the best ways to find a charter boat or sailing tour is directly through your resort with the help of the concierge or front desk staff. In many cases, charter companies will offer substantial discounts or free add-ons to your rental through your resort. If you are still having trouble finding the right charter for your family, check local publications for detailed listings featuring the types of activities offered by each company. When you have found the right tour or boat rental, you can also make the necessary reservations directly through your resort and devote your free time to enjoying everything else St. Thomas has to offer.

If you enjoy both fishing and socializing, then taking a chartered service is one fun way to go fishing. Make sure that you are going with a reliable charter service company. The ideal charter fishing experience depends on several considerable elements like the weather, location, the kind of fish you want to catch, accommodations, and capacity. One of the most important things that will make or break your trip is the fishing boat itself.

The boat

A very important consideration is the kind of fishing boat you will use. The size, power, and hull of the boat are all factors in determining the limits of the trip. Boats that allow for greater speed can cover more fishing spot areas. Also, they can slice through rougher sea conditions. It gives more value for you money if you spend less time shuttling to and from fishing spots and spend more time actually fishing. Also, you have to be aware of the fact that boats of bigger sizes do not always mean they are safer than smaller boats. Aside from smaller and lighter boats capable of more speed, the newer models that are small in size have unsinkable foam-filled hulls and twin outboard motor redundancy that makes them a lot safer to use.

Charter service

The fishing boat should have a reputable captain to commandeer it. Make sure that the captain has a Coast Guard Certification. He should also have personality, intelligence, and experience so that you can interact with him and have a fun and pleasant fishing experience. Usually, everything that you will need for fishing is already included. These include the reels, rods, bait, ice chest, and instruction manuals, if needed. What is usually not included are the food and drinks, but some charter services provide packages that include these. Because of the uncontrollable variables involved in fishing like the weather, make sure that there is a refund policy or contingency plan in case of bad weather. Most charter services require a deposit to commit resources for the planned trip.